Procurement Manager

WHAT IS ON OFFER

Alfred H Knight has an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Manager to join the team in Johannesburg. This individual will be responsible for developing, managing and overseeing the procurement function across Alfred H Knight Southern Africa, ensuring the effective, efficient, cost-conscious and compliant sourcing of goods and services required to support business operations.

The role will provide strategic and operational procurement leadership across all business units, operational sites, laboratories, inspection and testing facilities, and corporate functions.

ABOUT US

Alfred H Knight is a totally independent, family owned business spanning five generations. A global network of strategically placed offices and laboratories enable global trade by providing independent inspection, analysis and consultancy services to the metals and minerals, solid fuels and agriculture industries.

We have honed and carefully crafted our reputation. Delivering knowledge and professionalism in all aspects of weighing, sampling and analysis. We thrive by continuing to re-invest in our facilities, technology and people. Click here to find out more about AHK.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

To be successful at Alfred H Knight the incumbent needs to be detail-oriented, analytical and organised, with strong accounting knowledge and the ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Essential

Strategic Procurement Management:

Develop, implement and manage a regional procurement strategy aligned with Alfred H Knight's business objectives.

Establish procurement policies, procedures, systems and controls to ensure consistency across Southern Africa.

Drive procurement efficiencies, cost optimisation and value creation throughout the organisation.

Identify opportunities for supplier consolidation, strategic sourcing, bulk purchasing and improved commercial arrangements.

Develop annual procurement plans and budgets in collaboration with operational and functional managers.

Identify opportunities for procurement process improvements and automation.

Procurement Operations Management:

Manage and coordinate procurement requirements supporting day-to-day operational activities across all business units and locations.

Ensure the timely sourcing and availability of operational equipment, tools, materials and consumables.

Procure laboratory equipment, laboratory consumables, chemicals, reagents, sampling equipment and testing materials.

Coordinate the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment, uniforms and occupational health and safety supplies.

Source and manage operational maintenance, repair and replacement requirements.

Coordinate procurement for site establishments, operational facilities, laboratories and new projects.

Work closely with Operations Managers, Laboratory Managers, Technical Managers and Site Managers to anticipate operational requirements.

Ensure critical operational supplies are available to avoid downtime, service interruptions and delays in customer deliverables.

Establish appropriate minimum and maximum stock levels for critical operational materials and consumables.

General and Corporate Procurement:

Oversee procurement across corporate functions including Facilities, Finance, Administration, Marketing, Logistics and Projects.

Manage the sourcing of corporate goods and services, including office equipment, facilities management, transport.

Coordinate procurement for infrastructure, capital expenditure and facility development projects

Supplier Management:

Identify, evaluate, appoint and manage approved suppliers and service providers.

Maintain a comprehensive and regularly updated supplier database.

Conduct supplier due diligence, including financial, technical, operational, quality and compliance assessments.

Negotiate competitive pricing, payment terms, service levels, warranties and contractual conditions.

Establish and maintain strategic supplier relationships.

Monitor supplier performance against agreed service levels, delivery timelines, quality standards and commercial commitments.

Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement corrective actions where required.

Identify alternative suppliers and develop contingency arrangements for critical goods and services.

Ensure supplier diversity and support local supplier development where commercially and operationally appropriate.

Tendering, Quotations and Contract Management:

Manage the request-for-quotation (RFQ), request-for-proposal and tender processes.

Ensure competitive sourcing and transparent supplier selection.

Evaluate quotations based on total cost of ownership, quality, technical suitability, delivery capability and service levels.

Negotiate contracts and commercial agreements to achieve optimal business outcomes.

Maintain a central register of procurement contracts, supplier agreements and renewal dates.

Monitor contractual compliance and identify opportunities for renegotiation.

Ensure contracts are reviewed and approved in accordance with delegated authority.

Manage supplier disputes, contractual non-performance and commercial escalations.

Procurement Compliance and Risk Management:

Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, procedures and delegated approval authorities and adhere to applicable South African laws such as B-BBEE.

Cost Control and Financial Management:

Develop and manage procurement expenses in collaboration with relevant departmental heads.

Stakeholder Management:

Build effective working relationships with Operations, Finance, HR, IT, Technical, Laboratory, HSE and Senior Management.

Procurement Systems, Reporting and Continuous Improvement:

Manage and optimise procurement systems, processes and workflows.

Required Competencies:

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Supplier Relationship Management and Negotiation

Contract Management

Strategic Cost Optimisation and value creation

Supplier Performance Management

Procurement Compliance and Governance

Tender Management

Required Work Experience

Minimum 7-10 years experience in procurement and supply chain management.

At least 3-5 years in a procurement management position and demonstrable experience managing both operational and strategic procurement.

Experience mining services, inspection, testing, laboratory operations, engineering, industrial services or a related technical environment will be advantageous.

Proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract management and cost optimisation.

Experience managing procurement budgets and supplier performance

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, Business Management or a related discipline.

BENEFITS

We are offering an excellent opportunity with a salary and benefits package to match

Alfred H Knight is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

If you are invited to interview, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.

Alfred H Knight is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community in line with our Employment Equity Plan.